A mystery campaigner is waging war against the management company at Herne Farm in Petersfield.

The company, which provides communal management services for the estate says it is taking legal advice.

The anonymous “smear campaign” says it wants to wind-up the company, sell its assets and transfer Herne Farm’s communal green spaces to the local authority.

It claims each household on the estate could receive a rebate of thousands of pounds if the assets were sold.

Campaign leaflets have been dropped through the doors of properties on the estate. The flyers set-out the campaign’s proposals.

But residents say they value Herne Farm’s assets which include a leisure centre and pool which is operated and maintained exclusively for their use.

The campaign leaflet make a number of unsubstantiated and potentially defamatory claims against the management of the company.

They include an allegation that there is “no accountability”, that its AGM is “a joke” and that it is “not fit for purpose”.

The company denies these claims and no evidence for them has been presented.

The campaign criticises the management company for restricting information but is conducting its protest anonymously.

What does the evidence say?

Accounts filed at Companies House suggest the company is well managed. It maintains reserves of just under £200,000. Director Julian Stevens told Shine Radio the company’s annual turnover in 2023 was £134,000. Its filing and accounts are up to date.

The company employs contractors to provide garden maintenance, tree care and cleaning services for communal areas, including the leisure centre and swimming pool complex on Crundles.

The company’s six directors are nominated and appointed by residents in a democratic process at its AGM, the most recent of which was held in the autumn.

Residents speak-out

The leaflets have stirred-up discussion on social media groups.

Residents have written in support of Herne Farm, saying they value the leisure centre.

Julie Tully says it’s always fully booked. Jackie Greetham agrees it’s well used by the residents.

Speculating on the identity of the petulant poster, resident Sue Bruckner says “If he’s so unhappy with Herne Farm it may be time to go live somewhere else”.

How has the campaign responded?

Shine Radio contacted the campaign via its anonymous QR code on Tuesday 17 December.

We have yet to receive the courtesy of a response.